Know The Difference And Similarities Between Parchment Paper Vs Wax Paper
October 24, 2024 Uncategorized
Today people have the chance or luxury to enjoy cuisines from all around the world. From Chinese cuisine to subcontinental food, American cuisine to Mexican, Italian pasta to French bagels, all are available to the people due to the widespread supply chain and people’s ability to try new cuisines in their home town due to the availability of recipes on the internet. No matter which cuisine you are cooking, you certainly have used wax paper and parchment paper.
Both wax and parchment paper have different characteristics, which is why they have different usages. Due to their similar appearance, many people consider them the same. Nonetheless, both are remarkably different in features such as resistance to heat, moisture, and applications. Let’s read the blog and see the areas where the two papers are alike and different.
Key Similarities Between Parchment Paper And Wax Paper
Before we start discussing the different features of both papers, we must know that they are similar in various aspects. The surface characteristics are different to many extents but they also resemble various aspects such as:
Non-Stick Surface
Both the custom food wrapping papers have a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface of the paper makes them perfect for lining pans for food where the adhesion of food to the pan can be problematic such as serving sliced cheese. Specifically, if you are rolling dough or wrapping candies, then you can rely on any of the papers from the two of them.
Moisture Resistance
The second similarity between parchment and wax paper is that both of them are resistant to moisture, albeit this resistance is to a different extent. Wax paper is comparatively more resistant to water as it has an impermeable coating of wax.
Food-Safe
The papers are designed to be food-safe so that they can be used in direct contact with the food. Brands can easily and without any kind of worry wrap their hot sizzling foods in these wraps because the changes of chemical leaching are absent. Nonetheless, too much exposure to high temperatures specifically of wax-coated paper can lead to the release of some of the hydrocarbon into the food which is why is preferred not to use wax-coated sheets at high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures also increases the chances of ignition.
Flexibility and Thinness
Parchment paper and wax sheets both are highly flexible so you can easily mold them as per the shape of the container. This feature of both the greaseproof papers makes them a practical solution for wrapping and storing food products and lining pans.
Comparison Of Parchment Paper Vs Wax Paper
Feature |
Parchment Paper |
Wax Paper |
Heat Resistance | Up to 450°F (230°C) | Not heat-resistant, wax will melt |
Coating | Silicone or Quilon | Paraffin or Soy Wax |
Moisture Resistance | Limited moisture resistance | Highly moisture-resistant |
Printing Compatibility | Laser printing compatible | Inkjet (for transfers), not laser |
Tearing Resistance | Durable and tear-resistant | Tears more easily |
Common Uses | Baking, roasting, crafting | Food wrapping, crafting, rolling dough |
Types | Bleached, unbleached | Paraffin-based, soy wax-based |
Chemical Components | Sulfuric acid (for paper) + Silicone coating | Paraffin or Soy Wax coating |
Temperature Sensitivity | Stable in high temperatures | Melts at high temperatures |
Environmental Impact | Silicone-coated is biodegradable | Soy wax paper is eco-friendlier than paraffin |
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